PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT OF SOILS. 35 



21. Fresh broJcen-up grass land. On this land oats are 

 preferred to wheat as the first crop ; but when the surplus 

 vegetable matter of the soil has been reduced by burning, 

 tillage, and the mechanical application of suitable earthy 

 matter, wheat can be grown of good quality. In conclud- 

 ing the remarks upon the various soils, let it be remembered 

 that in all soils prepared for wheat, it cannot be too stale 

 or solid, provided it be free from weeds, and the surface- 

 soil sufficiently pulverized to enable the seed to be easily 

 covered. 



22. We now draw attention to an admirable Essay, by Mr. 

 Roberts 'previously named in the Journal of the Royal Ag- 

 ricultural Society of England, on the management of wheat ; 

 and first, as to the " Treatment of the Crops in Spring as to 

 pressing and hoeing" Pressing in the dry weather in spring 

 is especially useful on loose and open soils, and on soils 

 which require draining ; for where water saturates the surface 

 soil, it becomes increased in bulk during winter by its 

 conversion into ice, raising the soil, and tending, when a 

 thaw comes, to throw out the plants. When soil treads 

 loose in the spring, it is important to use the heavy roller. 

 Crosskill's Clod-crusher is also highly useful, but it can 

 only be used in very dry weather. Folding with sheep is 

 also useful. In the fens the loose soil along the drills is 

 consolidated by men and women trampling along them. 

 Where the land is foul when the seed is sown broad-cast, 

 the hand-hoe must be unsparingly used to keep down the 

 weeds. Where drilling and dibbling has been the mode 

 of sowing practised, the horse-hoe can be used with advan- 

 tage. Whether weedy or not, hoeing is practised by some, 

 and doubtless with advantage, as it enables the plant to 

 take a fresh start in the loosened soil. Hoeing should be 

 begun as early as the weather in the spring admits. Har- 

 rowing is often practised with success, more especially where 

 the land is crusty and the roots have struck deep in the 

 ground. Any mode indeed of loosening the surface-soil in 

 spring enables the plants to take a fresh start and to im- 

 prove amazingly. Harrowing light sand and gravelly soils 



